On a warm and quintessentially Los Angeles evening, the Hollywood Bowl ignited with the enchanting strains of Henry Mancini’s timeless compositions in a jubilant celebration marking what would have been Mancini’s 100th birthday. Before John Williams became synonymous with cinematic symphonies at the Hollywood Bowl, it was Mancini who held the prestigious baton, shaping the auditory landscape with his unforgettable scores for films like “The Pink Panther” and “Days of Wine and Roses.” Sunday night’s concert was the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra’s heartfelt homage to Mancini, who graced the Bowl’s stage 29 times throughout his illustrious career.

The evening commenced with a palpable sense of anticipation as the orchestra, under the skillful direction of conductor Thomas Wilkins, navigated Mancini’s diverse repertoire with precision and passion. Wilkins, with his expressive conducting style, brought out the best in the musicians, ensuring that every nuance of Mancini’s compositions was beautifully articulated, enhanced by movie clips that underscored the timeless nature of the composer’s work. The music—lush, sweeping, and punctuated with recognizable leitmotifs—is the kind we rarely encounter nowadays. It palpably moved the audience, many dressed in pink, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era filled with miniseries adapted from bestselling novels and iconic TV shows.

“Mancini 100 at the Hollywood Bowl” was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a musical maestro whose work continues to inspire and enchant.

Monica Mancini, with her gorgeous voice, imbued her father’s songs, “Meggie’s Theme from ‘The Thorn Birds'” and “Two for the Road,” with the beauty and love with which they were composed. Her heartfelt interpretations added a personal touch to the celebration, honoring her father’s legacy in the most touching way possible.

Cynthia Erivo never fails to take our breath away with her flawless vocals, and this night was no exception. She delivered stunning performances, evoking romance with “Days of Wine and Roses” and bringing the heat with “Le Jazz Hot.” Her powerhouse vocals and emotive delivery brought a soulful depth to the performance, blending reverence with a fresh, contemporary flair.

Saxophonist Dave Koz added a jazzy, sophisticated flourish to the evening, his masterful horn weaving seamlessly through the lush orchestrations. “The Pink Panther” theme, conducted by the always entertaining and humorous Wilkins, was a standout. Accompanied by hilarious scenes from the movie starring Peter Sellers, Koz’s performance captured the playful yet sophisticated essence of Mancini’s genius, trumped only by the infectious encore of “Peter Gunn.”

As the evening progressed, Michael Bublé, with his smooth, velvety voice, captivated the audience with renditions of Mancini’s classics. Exuding old-school Sinatra charisma, Bublé seduced the audience with humorous asides about the Ozempic craze before serenading them with heartfelt performances of “Moon River” and “It Had Better Be Tonight.”

Henry Mancini’s 100th at the Hollywood Bowl was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a musical maestro whose work continues to inspire and enchant. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks finale, leaving the audience in awe. As the final notes faded into the warm Los Angeles night, one thing was clear: Mancini’s music, much like the man himself, remains timeless.

— G. Dhalla

For more information on concerts at the Hollywood Bowl please go to www.HollywoodBowl.com